Ruben is a moderately popular boys' name in United States, ranking #297 in 2010 with 1,102 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2001 with 1,736 births ranking #207. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 33.7%. In 2010, approximately 1 in every 1,741 boys born was named Ruben. STABLE Recent data shows the name is currently stable.
Ruben is a familiar international form of Reuben meaning behold, a son. It feels slightly sleeker than Reuben while sharing the same old biblical base.
The name has been used across several language traditions for centuries, especially in Spanish-speaking and Dutch-speaking settings. Its breadth makes it feel rooted and portable.